Copyright © 2005 by the California Commission on Teacher CredentialingPermission is granted to make copies of this document for noncommercial use by educators.

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Home Economics Subject Matter Requirements

Part I: Content Domains for Subject Matter Understanding and Skill inHome Economics

Domain 1. Personal, Family, and Child DevelopmentCandidates demonstrate an understanding of personal, interpersonal, and family relationships;parenting; and child development and education. Candidates must have a broad and deepunderstanding of the types of relationships people have, as well as the factors that can affectrelationships. They recognize major theories about human and family development and understandmethods, strategies, and approaches that can be used to foster physical, cognitive, emotional, andsocial development. They are also familiar with knowledge and skills transferable to a variety ofcareers related to family services, child development, and education.

1.1 Personal, Interpersonal, and Family Relationshipsa. Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics that affect personal, interpersonal, and

family relationships, such as values, goals, morals, self-concept, and philosophy of life.b. Demonstrate an understanding of the reasons for personal relationships; the factors that

affect the selection of friends, partners, and spouses; and the issues that can arise inpersonal relationships.

c. Describe how relationship skills, responsible behavior, and stress-management techniquescan help individuals promote and obtain positive personal, interpersonal, family, andworkplace relationships.

d. Demonstrate an understanding of the meaning of family, the different types of families andfamily structures, the roles and responsibilities within a family, the function of familieswithin society, and the significance of families to individuals and society.

e. Analyze the family life cycle and its effect on the health and well-being of individuals andfamilies (e.g., major life changes, conflicts, crises) and identify resources, such as local,state, and federal systems, that can offer support to individuals and families.

1.2 Parentinga. Analyze various factors that affect decisions about becoming a parent (e.g., life choices,

health, cultural and socioeconomic considerations).b. Demonstrate knowledge about family planning and ways in which individuals can prepare

for the responsibilities of parenthood.c. Demonstrate knowledge about the stages and characteristics of pregnancy and the factors

that affect prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal health (e.g., parental nutrition and health,medical care, environment).

d. Recognize theories on parenting; how parenting affects parents, children, and families; andtechniques, methods, and strategies that can be used to guide a child's development in areassuch as self-worth, social skills, appropriate behavior, and self-discipline.

e. Demonstrate an understanding of common childhood illnesses, children's healthcare needs(e.g., immunizations, nutrition, exercise), and hygienic care for children.

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f. Identify potential hazards to children's safety, precautions and practices to preventchildhood accidents, basic first-aid procedures, and ways to plan for children's safety inemergency situations (e.g., fire, earthquake, parental illness).

g. Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect,signs of child abuse and neglect, and legal responsibilities related to ensuring a child'ssafety and well-being.

1.3 Child Development and Educationa. Demonstrate knowledge of the stages and characteristics of child development, from

infancy through adolescence, and the various hereditary and environmental factors that canaffect child development.

b. Demonstrate knowledge of the study of children, including major child developmentaltheories (e.g., Piaget's theory of cognitive development, Erikson's theory of psychosocialdevelopment, Kohlberg's theory of moral development), research methods, and observationtechniques.

c. Identify developmentally appropriate activities for children of various ages and stages, suchas learning, playing, and other recreational activities that can be used to promote cognitive,physical, emotional, and social development.

d. Demonstrate knowledge of career paths, transferable knowledge and skills, aptitudes, andresponsibilities related to careers in child development and education.

(Challenge Standards for Student Success: Home Economics Careers and Technology[2000]: Family Living and Parenting Education Content Area Standards 1–9; Individualand Family Health Content Area Standards 3 and 5; Child Development and GuidanceContent Area Standards 1–12; Child Development and Education Career PathwayStandards 1–17.)

Domain 2. Nutrition, Foods, and HospitalityCandidates demonstrate an understanding of food science, nutritional science, food preparation, andhospitality. Candidates understand the scope of food and nutritional science, including physiologicaland biochemical processes involved in the preparation and consumption of food and nutrients. Theyunderstand the components of and the various factors that affect health and well-being and haveknowledge about various illnesses and diseases related to food and nutrition. They are knowledgeableabout current research and new technologies in nutrition and food industries. They also understandprocedures and techniques related to food preparation and meal management. Candidates haveknowledge of various kitchen designs, equipment, appliances, safety and sanitation standards, andemergency procedures. They are also familiar with knowledge and skills transferable to a variety ofcareers related to food, nutrition, and hospitality industries.

2.1 Food and Nutritional Sciencea. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of food and nutritional science, such as the

chemical and physical reactions that occur in food; characteristics and functions ofnutrients; the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients; and the factors that affectthe nutritional value of foods and beverages.

b. Demonstrate an understanding of the components of a balanced diet, including currentgovernment-approved dietary guidelines; dietary needs throughout the life cycle; and therelationship between nutrition and health.

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c. Apply terminology used in food and nutritional science to interpret label information andevaluate current dietary programs.

d. Demonstrate an understanding of current research and its impact on new technologiesrelating to the quality, safety, availability, and affordability of food and to the environment.

e. Demonstrate knowledge of food-related diseases and disorders of the diet.f. Analyze cultural, environmental, and socioeconomic factors that affect diet, nutrition, and

health.

2.2 Food Preparation and Hospitalitya. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of food safety and sanitation, including food-

borne illnesses, their causes, and prevention.b. Demonstrate an understanding of efficient kitchen designs and layouts.c. Demonstrate an understanding of how to select, care for, and safely use food preparation

equipment.d. Identify kitchen safety hazards, safety precautions, and emergency procedures.e. Demonstrate knowledge about food safety regulations and inspections, as well as the role of

state and federal agencies (e.g., California Department of Health Services, U.S. Food andDrug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture) in regulating food product safety.

f. Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that affect meal management (e.g., time,energy, resources), as well as the methods and skills necessary to effectively manage mealplanning, preparation, and presentation.

g. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles, techniques, and terminology of foodpreparation (e.g., measuring and substituting ingredients; following, interpreting,converting, and modifying recipes/formulas).

h. Recognize the variety of differences in food preparation, dining etiquette, table settings, andmeal service styles within the United States, as well as those of other cultures andgeographical regions of the world.

i. Demonstrate knowledge of career paths, transferable knowledge and skills, aptitudes, andresponsibilities related to careers in nutrition, foods, and hospitality industries.

(Challenge Standards for Student Success: Home Economics Careers and Technology[2000]: Food and Nutrition Content Area Standards 1–10; Food Science, Dietetics, andNutrition Career Pathway Standards 1–18; Food Service and Hospitality Career PathwayStandards 1–20.)

Domain 3. Fashion and TextilesCandidates demonstrate an understanding of fashion, textiles, and apparel design and construction.Candidates must have a substantial understanding of the history of fashion and current trends infashion; wardrobe management; fibers, fabrics, and finishes; and apparel equipment and materials, aswell as maintenance and construction procedures used in various activities related to apparel andtextile items. They are familiar with knowledge and skills transferable to a variety of careers related tothe fashion and textile industries.

3.1 Fashion Influences and Wardrobe Managementa. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of fashion (e.g., the historical development of

textiles, cultural influences on design, technological advancements in apparel design andmanufacturing) and current trends in the fashion industry.

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b. Demonstrate knowledge of elements and principles of design and color theory as related tothe fashion industry.

c. Demonstrate an understanding of the factors influencing wardrobe planning and selection(e.g., budget; needs; personal preferences based on culture, lifestyle and career; fashiontrends).

d. Demonstrate knowledge of career paths, transferable knowledge and skills, aptitudes, andresponsibilities related to careers in the fashion and textile industries.

3.2 Fibers, Fabrics, and Finishesa. Identify sources of various natural and manufactured fabrics, their characteristics, and the

terminology used to classify and describe them.b. Explain how to select appropriate fibers, fabrics, and finishes for a variety of purposes.c. Demonstrate an understanding of the care of clothing and household textile items (e.g., care

symbols, laundering, stain removal, storage).

3.3 Apparel Constructiona. Demonstrate an understanding of the various functions, use, and care of apparel

construction equipment and materials.b. Demonstrate an understanding of the techniques and terminology for constructing, altering,

and repairing apparel and household textile items.c. Demonstrate an understanding of how to evaluate the quality of apparel construction.d. Compare cost, time, and energy factors involved in purchasing, constructing, remodeling,

or recycling materials, apparel, and household textile items.

(Challenge Standards for Student Success: Home Economics Careers and Technology[2000]: Fashion, Textiles, and Apparel Content Area Standards 1–12; Fashion Design,Manufacturing, and Merchandising Career Pathway Standards 1–23.)

Domain 4. Housing and Interior DesignCandidates demonstrate an understanding of interior design and housing. Candidates must understandthe elements and principles of design; historical and contemporary interiors, architectural styles, andfurniture designs; and the materials, methods, tools, and technology used in design of living andworking environments. They also understand consumer aspects of interiors and housing, such as therole of the government and other organizations in housing and related matters; the criteria consideredin selecting housing; and the laws, regulations, and responsibilities associated with housing. They arefamiliar with knowledge and skills transferable to a variety of careers related to the interior design andhousing industries.

4.1 Housinga. Demonstrate an understanding of criteria considered in the selection of housing (e.g.,

construction, safety, location) and interiors (e.g., needs, affordability, personal preferences).b. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic factors (e.g., costs, maintenance, environmental

considerations) involved in the selection of materials used in design and construction.c. Recognize the effect of historical architectural design and culture on contemporary design.d. Demonstrate an understanding of the laws, regulations, and programs related to housing

(e.g., low-income housing, assistance programs, building codes).

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4.2 Interior Designa. Demonstrate knowledge of the elements and principles of design and their use in planning

and evaluating the aesthetics of living and working environments, as well as in selectingfurnishings and equipment.

b. Analyze color theory and its application to living and working environments, including theevaluation of color schemes in a variety of situations.

c. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of design in meeting individual, family, andgroup needs throughout the life cycle (e.g., use of floor plans, elevations, materials).

d. Demonstrate knowledge of career paths, transferable knowledge and skills, aptitudes, andresponsibilities related to the interior design and housing industries.

4.3 Furnishingsa. Demonstrate knowledge of historical and contemporary styles of furnishings.b. Demonstrate an understanding of criteria considered in the selection of furnishings and

equipment (e.g., quality, construction, care, needs, affordability, personal preferences).c. Demonstrate an understanding of furnishing materials (e.g., wall and floor coverings,

textiles, window treatments, lighting fixtures, kitchen and bath fixtures, accessories).

(Challenge Standards for Student Success: Home Economics Careers and Technology[2000]: Housing and Furnishings Content Area Standards 1–9; Interior Design,Furnishings, and Maintenance Career Pathway Standards 1–18.)

Domain 5. Consumer EducationCandidates demonstrate an understanding of personal and family resources, consumer rights andresponsibilities, economic systems, and personal finances. Candidates must have a substantialunderstanding of consumer economics, decisions, purchases, and the resources and factors that inform,influence, and shape personal and family resource management. They understand how the U.S.economy functions and the factors that affect it, as well as its effects on U.S. consumers. They have anunderstanding of the global market and the global economy and how they affect the U.S. economicsystem. They are also familiar with knowledge and skills transferable to a variety of careers related tothe consumer service industry.

5.1 Personal and Family Resourcesa. Demonstrate an understanding of how needs, wants, goals, and values shape personal and

family resource management.b. Analyze factors that influence personal and family consumer decisions (e.g., advertising,

product costs, socioeconomic factors, financial resources, culture, local and nationaleconomies).

c. Describe how goods and services can be researched, identified, compared, and evaluated tomake good consumer decisions and purchases.

d. Demonstrate an understanding of consumer fraud and deception and the organizations,resources, and services available to assist consumers in researching, reporting, and takinglegal action against perpetrators of fraud and deception.

e. Demonstrate an understanding of management in balancing home, work, and life.

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5.2 Consumer Rights and Responsibilitiesa. Demonstrate knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to consumer protection and

responsibilities and how they relate to consumerism in areas such as advertising, creditcontracts, safety standards, and guarantees/warranties.

b. Demonstrate an understanding of how to utilize communication skills in negotiating andsolving problems related to the purchasing of goods and services.

c. Identify local, state, federal, and private agencies that advocate for and protect theconsumer, as well as the services that they provide (e.g., consumer redress, mediation andarbitration services, investigations).

d. Demonstrate an understanding of environmental stewardship in relation to responsibleresource consumption and conservation practices.

5.3 Economic Systemsa. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles, components, and features of the U.S.

economic system, as well as the role of the government in the U.S. economy.b. Recognize factors that affect and are affected by local, state, regional, national, and

international economies (e.g., economic growth and decline, employment, inflation).c. Analyze the various factors (e.g., supply and demand, productivity) that affect relationships

in economic systems.

5.4 Personal Financesa. Demonstrate knowledge about financial management (e.g., financial terms, budgeting,

investment plans, banking, credit, credit cards, loans, taxes, insurance).b. Analyze factors that affect financial management (e.g., career choices, goals, resources,

cultural and socioeconomic factors).c. Demonstrate knowledge of the various factors in determining major purchases (e.g.,

transportation, clothing, appliances, cell phones, entertainment systems).d. Demonstrate knowledge of the various factors involved in searching for and securing

suitable housing (e.g., cost-of-living estimations, rental and sales contracts, insurance,interest rates) and resources available to help consumers search for and secure suitablehousing.

e. Demonstrate knowledge of career paths, transferable knowledge and skills, aptitudes, andresponsibilities related to consumer services.

(Challenge Standards for Student Success: Home Economics Careers and Technology[2000]: Consumer Education Content Area Standards 1–11; Consumer Services CareerPathway Standards 1–16.)

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Part II: Subject Matter Skills and Abilities Applicableto the Content Domains in Home Economics

Candidates understand the life skills needed to function effectively in families, in the workforce, andwithin society. They apply knowledge in the areas of personal, family, and child development;nutrition, foods, and hospitality; fashion and textiles; interior design and housing; and consumereducation to analyze issues and make informed decisions. They apply science, technology, economics,life management, and employability skills to propose solutions to a variety of real-life situations. Inaddition, candidates demonstrate an understanding of the leadership skills needed to implementsolutions and to help students become positive and productive members of the global community.

Candidates apply organizational, leadership, and communication skills to work effectively withadvisory committees, industry representatives, and community organizations. They understand theirrole and responsibilities as advisors to the student leadership organization FHA-HERO. Candidatesare able to effectively represent the home economics program in individual and group settings in theschool, community, and industry. Candidates are able to understand and respond to issues related todiversity and equity in the home economics program, families, the community, and the workforce.

Candidates understand the philosophy of home economics as a discipline of study. They understandthe history of home economics, including its major historical events and leaders. Candidatesunderstand current research and recent developments in the field of home economics. They arefamiliar with social, economic, legal, and ethical issues in the field. They apply strategies (e.g.,accessing Internet resources, joining professional organizations) for staying abreast of current issuesand developments in home economics. They are able to identify industry trends, career andentrepreneurship opportunities, employers' expectations, and the personal characteristic (e.g.,appropriate work habits, social and communication skills) necessary for successful careers in theworkplace. They use their home economics knowledge and skills to develop strategies for managingfamily and work life responsibilities in a rapidly changing global environment.